November 2011
A Hop Around Red Frog Events
On Friday, October 28 our Chapter toured Red Frog Events in Chicago. Katherine Keenan, Red Frog’s “Entrepreneur of Enthusiasm,” was our tour guide. Keenan explained that all Red Frog employees are allowed to create their own titles. The reason behind the fun nicknames was that Joe Reynolds, the company’s founder, decided he did not like his title as CEO and changed it to, “Architect of Adventure.” Fun is a part of everything at Red Frog, from the conference table made of Legos, to the zip line attached to one of their in-office tree houses. Red Frog hosts several one-of-a-kind events across the country including Warrior Dash, Great Urban Race and Beach Palooza. Warrior Dash has spread to Canada, Australia and will debut this year in South Wales.
Red Frog Events sells fun, but they also make it a part of what they do every day at work. Reynolds wanted to create a company with people that felt like family in a place that felt like home. While on the surface it may seem like it is all fun and games, Keenan spoke about the importance of time management and how much work they have to take on. She also emphasized that even the interns are given real responsibility. “You are putting on a race for 50,000 people, no where else would you get to do that at 22 years old,” said Keenan. Guest Poster- Bruce Kennedy |
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Preparing your 30-second commercial
At our PRSSA meeting on November 8, the e-board went over some tips on how to build a 30-second commercial. For those of you who don’t know what this is, a 30-second commercial is an overview of your experience, skills, strengths, accomplishments and goals–all in just 30 seconds! When someone asks you to tell him or her more about yourself, this commercial is your go-to conversation starter.
When will you use it?
What should you include?
In order to have a successful pitch, you want to have your commercial memorized, but don’t make it sound too rehearsed. Relax, breathe and sound natural! If you know something about the person that you both have in common, you can include that to make it more personalized. Please keep in mind that your key messages should be about yourself! Make sure they are unique, simple and memorable. Below is my 30-second commercial:
“Hello, my name is Jessica Funcannon and I am a senior at Illinois State University. I am majoring in public relations and my minor is family and consumer science. I am currently in my fourth internship, which is with Lightspan Digital, a Chicago-based social media marketing company. I am the Account Executive for this year’s PRSSA Bateman team, which means that I manage a team of four to help plan, execute and evaluate an entire campaign about childhood obesity. I was recently featured as a top ten contestant in Business Wire’s College Video Contest and because of that, I received several media placements including Pantagraph, PJ Star and Forbes. I plan on graduating in May and getting my feet wet in the PR world! Can we exchange business cards? I’d love to discuss any positions you have available.”
Next week in Schroeder 138 at 8 p.m., we will be having business professionals and professors come to our PRSSA meeting in order to help us practice our commercials, so start writing, practice with a friend and good luck!
–Jessica Funcannon
When will you use it?
- Interviews
- Professional networking events
- Cold calling for future jobs
- Introductions to potential employers
What should you include?
- Name
- Year, school
- Major, minor
- Internship/work experience
- Positions, awards, achievements–things that make you stand out
- Future plans
- Card swap (Ask if you can give him or her your business card)
In order to have a successful pitch, you want to have your commercial memorized, but don’t make it sound too rehearsed. Relax, breathe and sound natural! If you know something about the person that you both have in common, you can include that to make it more personalized. Please keep in mind that your key messages should be about yourself! Make sure they are unique, simple and memorable. Below is my 30-second commercial:
“Hello, my name is Jessica Funcannon and I am a senior at Illinois State University. I am majoring in public relations and my minor is family and consumer science. I am currently in my fourth internship, which is with Lightspan Digital, a Chicago-based social media marketing company. I am the Account Executive for this year’s PRSSA Bateman team, which means that I manage a team of four to help plan, execute and evaluate an entire campaign about childhood obesity. I was recently featured as a top ten contestant in Business Wire’s College Video Contest and because of that, I received several media placements including Pantagraph, PJ Star and Forbes. I plan on graduating in May and getting my feet wet in the PR world! Can we exchange business cards? I’d love to discuss any positions you have available.”
Next week in Schroeder 138 at 8 p.m., we will be having business professionals and professors come to our PRSSA meeting in order to help us practice our commercials, so start writing, practice with a friend and good luck!
–Jessica Funcannon
Meet the 2011-2012 Vice President: Kaitie Ries
Name: Kaitie Ries
Year: Junior
Position: Vice President
Hometown: Spring Valley
Major: Public Relations
1.) When did you join PRSSA and what motivated you to join?
I joined PRSSA when I transferred to ISU as a sophomore in August 2010. I was a Communication Studies major at the time, but my friend asked me if I’d go to a meeting with her. PRSSA made me realize that Com Studies was not for me, so I switched my major and the rest is history! I never really knew the variety of choices I had for a career. I live in a small town, and I always thought, “Well, I could be a doctor, police officer, lawyer, dentist or teacher.” I knew I wanted to do something communication related, so I thought I’d be a speech teacher. Thankfully I went to PRSSA with my friend or I may never have learned about what a great major PR is!
2.) Why did you decide to run for executive board?
I decided to apply for e-board because I wanted to be able to plan the events that PRSSA offers to members. I had a great experience as a member last year, so I wanted to be able to give back through leadership. Being vice president is such a rewarding position because I feel like I get to plan so many fun activities, like speakers and tours. It’s a lot of work, but I absolutely LOVE my position.
3.) What do you want to do when you graduate from ISU?
I want to move somewhere new and immerse myself in a new culture and environment. I’m a total country bumpkin. Sometimes when I’m driving I get stuck behind tractors or someone riding their lawnmower down the road. I’m seriously from a place where everyone smiles, waves to each other and knows everything about you. Although it is a great place to grow up, when I graduate I want to travel a lot and explore everything the world has to offer. My dream job would be to work for a publishing company so that part of my job would be to read. Anyone who knows me knows that I love the Harry Potter series, and I can’t imagine how exciting of a time that would have been for the people working at Scholastic to promote the series. Additionally, I love editing, which is why I love working with the relations committee so much. The feeling of working with something from beginning to end and seeing the finalized version is so rewarding. Nerd alert aside, I just want to look back on my life when I’m old and wrinkly and know I did everything I had ever dreamed of doing.
4.) What has been your favorite class thus far in the SOC?
While each class I’ve been in so far has taught me something new and interesting, I’d say my most useful class so far is reporting with Rick Jones. I really enjoy writing and am looking forward to taking more classes that allow me to become a better writer. One of the main reasons why I love the PR major is because it mixes my love of writing with my love for communication.
5.) Do you have any advice to those wanting a career in PR?
My obvious answer is to get involved with PRSSA. I truly believe we offer opportunities for professional development that the classroom does not provide. I also could tell you the things you already know, like network, get an internship, yadda yadda yadda. But chances are, everyone says that, and it’s all true! My most important advice is to choose one thing and give it your all. Some people spread themselves thin when they get involved in so many RSOs, but they can’t be active in all of them because they don’t have time. I really think your time is better spent picking one thing that you’re super excited about and fully committing to it. By doing that, it’s likely that you will end up networking, or finding an internship because you are so involved with that group.
6.) Who is someone that inspires you in life? This could be someone you personally know or a complete stranger.
My mom. The older I get, the more I realize how many sacrifices she has made to make many things possible for my brother and me. She gives back in any way she can and has such a great insight on so many topics. Whenever I’m having a hard time with something, I can call her and feel better immediately. Growing up, she always made a point to instill values with everything we did. My mother is also where I get my goofy personality. She was always planning scavenger hunts, making up silly songs and taking every single thing to a new level. She always looks for a way to make everything more fun or more special, and I hope that when I have children I can be half as good of a mother as she has been to me.
7.) If you could have any other career in the world, what would it be?
Any other career? I would like to be a travel agent or a mediator. Being a travel agent would be awesome because I would love planning other people’s dream vacations. Studying abroad in Paris this summer made me appreciate everything the world has to offer. Being a mediator also would be interesting because I absolutely hate fighting, and I would like being able to help people sort out their problems in a calm, civil way.
8.) Now spill, what’s a secret talent you have?
I love rhyming. I guess it’s not a secret. I got my start rhyming in high school. We had a dance where the girls asked the guys (Sadie Hawkins) and instead of just asking a date, I made up a goofy poem. (Thankfully I already knew he’d say yes or that would have been super awkward.) Also, during our high school homecoming week, all the girls wrote poems for the male fall athletes and recited them at the pep rally. I probably wrote six other poems for other people, and actually every year since graduation, I get Facebook messages from younger girls asking me to help them. Since then it’s become something I do when I want to make something more interesting. I got an override into a full class because I sent a poem when the instructor told me to email him back explaining why I should get the override. I guess it’s my way of joining my personality into something I love to do, which is writing.
Year: Junior
Position: Vice President
Hometown: Spring Valley
Major: Public Relations
1.) When did you join PRSSA and what motivated you to join?
I joined PRSSA when I transferred to ISU as a sophomore in August 2010. I was a Communication Studies major at the time, but my friend asked me if I’d go to a meeting with her. PRSSA made me realize that Com Studies was not for me, so I switched my major and the rest is history! I never really knew the variety of choices I had for a career. I live in a small town, and I always thought, “Well, I could be a doctor, police officer, lawyer, dentist or teacher.” I knew I wanted to do something communication related, so I thought I’d be a speech teacher. Thankfully I went to PRSSA with my friend or I may never have learned about what a great major PR is!
2.) Why did you decide to run for executive board?
I decided to apply for e-board because I wanted to be able to plan the events that PRSSA offers to members. I had a great experience as a member last year, so I wanted to be able to give back through leadership. Being vice president is such a rewarding position because I feel like I get to plan so many fun activities, like speakers and tours. It’s a lot of work, but I absolutely LOVE my position.
3.) What do you want to do when you graduate from ISU?
I want to move somewhere new and immerse myself in a new culture and environment. I’m a total country bumpkin. Sometimes when I’m driving I get stuck behind tractors or someone riding their lawnmower down the road. I’m seriously from a place where everyone smiles, waves to each other and knows everything about you. Although it is a great place to grow up, when I graduate I want to travel a lot and explore everything the world has to offer. My dream job would be to work for a publishing company so that part of my job would be to read. Anyone who knows me knows that I love the Harry Potter series, and I can’t imagine how exciting of a time that would have been for the people working at Scholastic to promote the series. Additionally, I love editing, which is why I love working with the relations committee so much. The feeling of working with something from beginning to end and seeing the finalized version is so rewarding. Nerd alert aside, I just want to look back on my life when I’m old and wrinkly and know I did everything I had ever dreamed of doing.
4.) What has been your favorite class thus far in the SOC?
While each class I’ve been in so far has taught me something new and interesting, I’d say my most useful class so far is reporting with Rick Jones. I really enjoy writing and am looking forward to taking more classes that allow me to become a better writer. One of the main reasons why I love the PR major is because it mixes my love of writing with my love for communication.
5.) Do you have any advice to those wanting a career in PR?
My obvious answer is to get involved with PRSSA. I truly believe we offer opportunities for professional development that the classroom does not provide. I also could tell you the things you already know, like network, get an internship, yadda yadda yadda. But chances are, everyone says that, and it’s all true! My most important advice is to choose one thing and give it your all. Some people spread themselves thin when they get involved in so many RSOs, but they can’t be active in all of them because they don’t have time. I really think your time is better spent picking one thing that you’re super excited about and fully committing to it. By doing that, it’s likely that you will end up networking, or finding an internship because you are so involved with that group.
6.) Who is someone that inspires you in life? This could be someone you personally know or a complete stranger.
My mom. The older I get, the more I realize how many sacrifices she has made to make many things possible for my brother and me. She gives back in any way she can and has such a great insight on so many topics. Whenever I’m having a hard time with something, I can call her and feel better immediately. Growing up, she always made a point to instill values with everything we did. My mother is also where I get my goofy personality. She was always planning scavenger hunts, making up silly songs and taking every single thing to a new level. She always looks for a way to make everything more fun or more special, and I hope that when I have children I can be half as good of a mother as she has been to me.
7.) If you could have any other career in the world, what would it be?
Any other career? I would like to be a travel agent or a mediator. Being a travel agent would be awesome because I would love planning other people’s dream vacations. Studying abroad in Paris this summer made me appreciate everything the world has to offer. Being a mediator also would be interesting because I absolutely hate fighting, and I would like being able to help people sort out their problems in a calm, civil way.
8.) Now spill, what’s a secret talent you have?
I love rhyming. I guess it’s not a secret. I got my start rhyming in high school. We had a dance where the girls asked the guys (Sadie Hawkins) and instead of just asking a date, I made up a goofy poem. (Thankfully I already knew he’d say yes or that would have been super awkward.) Also, during our high school homecoming week, all the girls wrote poems for the male fall athletes and recited them at the pep rally. I probably wrote six other poems for other people, and actually every year since graduation, I get Facebook messages from younger girls asking me to help them. Since then it’s become something I do when I want to make something more interesting. I got an override into a full class because I sent a poem when the instructor told me to email him back explaining why I should get the override. I guess it’s my way of joining my personality into something I love to do, which is writing.
What We're Thankful For
Hi Everyone!
In honor of Thanksgiving we thought it would be fun to dedicate a post to what PR students are thankful for this holiday season! This past week, we asked all of you to Tweet and Facebook us your comments.
We also want to say a big THANK YOU for lending us your thoughts as well as continuing to show your support to ISU PRSSA week after week! Without our members, this Chapter would not be as special and awesome as it is!
I think I can speak for most PR majors here at school that we are all thankful for ISU and the PR program it offers. The communication classes are taught by many wonderful professors who come to class every week and teach us. Many of us have found mentors and guidance from our professors and would not be able to graduate, land internship positions or careers without their help. They truly care for their students and want us to graduate here with nothing but confidence and knowledge. The classes that are geared towards campaign designs and computer skills are the ones that I’m grateful for the most because I can use those when I graduate.
PRSSA is something we should all be thankful for as well. The relationships we have built and the memories we made are ones that we will never forget years down the road. I’m sure many of us have made friends for life.
Here is a compiled list of what we give thanks to this time of the year!
EMUPRSSA (EMU PRSSA)–we are thankful for PRSSA, friends, family and@britneyspears :)
zzbwolverine (Colleen Cakora)–blogs with festive themes
Kim Nowlan–My family’s health and happiness!! Dogs included!
Kaitie Ries–PRSSA, AP style guide, Twitter
Beth Esler–Especially during the holiday season, I’m thankful to be part of an organization that changes lives and provides people the opportunity for a better tomorrow. #unitedwaychi
Hailey Lynn–Coffee!; PR FRIENDS!!!!! Duh
Bruce Quincy–#hashtags
Ian De La Rosa–I think Kaitie meant the Ipad, IPod and the upcoming Droid version of AP Style Guide…either way
Natalie Zehak–Hootsuite, emails, internship opportunities, fashionista business clothes, Starbucks lattes
Jennifer Detweiler–Grammar Girl and the daily Ragan newsletter I get in my inbox. ….Almost forgot! I’m thankful for the ISU PRSSA blog. It’s nice to keep updated on what the best PRSSA chapter in the nation is doing.
(I want to give a special shout-out to this one, thanks Jennifer!)
D.j. Kehoe–I’m thankful that working with other PR pros means working with people who know how to write. It makes life a lot less frustrating.
Kyle Musgrave–LexisNexis, Mintel, The Futures Company…any and all research tools
Jillian Collins–Working with inspiring, creative and extremely intelligent people everyday.
Jessica Funcannon–Having the privilege to go to a university where everyone helps out their peers. I never feel like my PR friends are my competition!
Brian De Pasqua–Ian De La Rosa‘s plaid dress clothes.
Kelsey Carey–PR friends, PRSSA (duh!), so many internship possibilities!
In honor of Thanksgiving we thought it would be fun to dedicate a post to what PR students are thankful for this holiday season! This past week, we asked all of you to Tweet and Facebook us your comments.
We also want to say a big THANK YOU for lending us your thoughts as well as continuing to show your support to ISU PRSSA week after week! Without our members, this Chapter would not be as special and awesome as it is!
I think I can speak for most PR majors here at school that we are all thankful for ISU and the PR program it offers. The communication classes are taught by many wonderful professors who come to class every week and teach us. Many of us have found mentors and guidance from our professors and would not be able to graduate, land internship positions or careers without their help. They truly care for their students and want us to graduate here with nothing but confidence and knowledge. The classes that are geared towards campaign designs and computer skills are the ones that I’m grateful for the most because I can use those when I graduate.
PRSSA is something we should all be thankful for as well. The relationships we have built and the memories we made are ones that we will never forget years down the road. I’m sure many of us have made friends for life.
Here is a compiled list of what we give thanks to this time of the year!
EMUPRSSA (EMU PRSSA)–we are thankful for PRSSA, friends, family and@britneyspears :)
zzbwolverine (Colleen Cakora)–blogs with festive themes
Kim Nowlan–My family’s health and happiness!! Dogs included!
Kaitie Ries–PRSSA, AP style guide, Twitter
Beth Esler–Especially during the holiday season, I’m thankful to be part of an organization that changes lives and provides people the opportunity for a better tomorrow. #unitedwaychi
Hailey Lynn–Coffee!; PR FRIENDS!!!!! Duh
Bruce Quincy–#hashtags
Ian De La Rosa–I think Kaitie meant the Ipad, IPod and the upcoming Droid version of AP Style Guide…either way
Natalie Zehak–Hootsuite, emails, internship opportunities, fashionista business clothes, Starbucks lattes
Jennifer Detweiler–Grammar Girl and the daily Ragan newsletter I get in my inbox. ….Almost forgot! I’m thankful for the ISU PRSSA blog. It’s nice to keep updated on what the best PRSSA chapter in the nation is doing.
(I want to give a special shout-out to this one, thanks Jennifer!)
D.j. Kehoe–I’m thankful that working with other PR pros means working with people who know how to write. It makes life a lot less frustrating.
Kyle Musgrave–LexisNexis, Mintel, The Futures Company…any and all research tools
Jillian Collins–Working with inspiring, creative and extremely intelligent people everyday.
Jessica Funcannon–Having the privilege to go to a university where everyone helps out their peers. I never feel like my PR friends are my competition!
Brian De Pasqua–Ian De La Rosa‘s plaid dress clothes.
Kelsey Carey–PR friends, PRSSA (duh!), so many internship possibilities!
